The 2024 NFL season is set to begin with a highly anticipated match-up at Arrowhead Stadium between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens. This game, a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship, will see two former MVP quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, facing off once again. In their previous encounters, Mahomes holds a 4-1 advantage over Jackson. Notably, their games are often close, with all but one decided by a single score.
Mahomes has statistically outperformed Jackson in their head-to-head matchups, boasting an 86 QBR with 13 touchdowns and two interceptions, compared to Jackson’s 53 QBR, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Chiefs have strengthened their roster in the offseason by signing wide receiver Hollywood Brown and drafting Xavier Worthy, joining Rashee Rice as key offensive weapons.
Ravens vs. Chiefs Rematch Opens NFL Season as Rice Investigation Looms
The Baltimore Ravens head to Arrowhead Stadium to clash with the Kansas City Chiefs in a highly anticipated kick-off to the 2024 NFL season. This AFC Championship game rematch gets a jolt of controversy with the ongoing investigation surrounding Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice.
Rice Under Investigation: Rice faces legal trouble stemming from an off-season incident, including a multi-car accident and an alleged assault. The NFL is conducting its own investigation, and a multi-game suspension for Rice seems likely. This throws a wrench into the Chiefs’ offensive plans, as Rice was expected to be a key target for Patrick Mahomes.
Lamar vs. Mahomes: A Matchup for the Ages: Despite the Rice cloud hanging over the game, the star power of Lamar Jackson versus Mahomes promises an electrifying opening night. Jackson, the reigning MVP, seeks to lead the Ravens past the hurdle they couldn’t overcome last season. Mahomes, with or without Rice, will be looking to extend his dominance over the AFC.
Ravens Defense Hungry for Redemption: The Ravens’ ferocious defense, ranked number one in the league last season, will be eager to test the Chiefs’ revamped receiving unit. Last year, they shut down Rice in the regular season, but he exploded in the playoffs. Can they replicate that success, or will the Chiefs find new targets for Mahomes?
Stat Showdown:
- Lamar Jackson vs. Patrick Mahomes: Last season, Jackson threw for 3,656 yards and 32 touchdowns, while Mahomes eclipsed 5,000 yards and tossed 50 touchdowns.
- The Ravens defense led the league in points allowed (14.7 per game) and rushing yards allowed (87.5 per game). The Chiefs’ offense averaged a league-high 38.1 points per game.
“This is a rematch everyone’s been waiting for,” said NFL analyst Dan Jones. “The Ravens will be looking for revenge after that heartbreaking AFC Championship loss. With or without Rice, this is a game no NFL fan will want to miss.”
Despite these challenges, the Chiefs have a strategic advantage with head coach Andy Reid and the support of their home crowd at Arrowhead Stadium. The upcoming game promises to be a thrilling start to the NFL season, with both teams eager to prove their dominance on the field.